Here's the thing. AS doing well is good for us - keeps them in business, gives them money, allows them to keep stocking parts/doing R&D (hopefully)/etc. It also helps our resale value if the trailers have more exposure. This appearance does that.

Thing is, Wheeler isn't going to get onto Jay Leno's video series, or get articles in the NYT and WSJ, just by wheeling out another practical 25FB. The Land Yacht is a hook, a story angle, a reason for press.

Finally, I respect the historical knowledge expressed in this thread. But I've been in Wheeler's shoes, having done segments on two national live morning news programs and lots of other media. You might know everything inside and out, and have a plan - but a lot of that goes away in front of the camera.

You're lucky to get 3-4 solid points across, and sometimes factual points get dumbed down or rounded off. I was surprised about not mentioning Interstate too, but in the spur of the moment, he kept the conversation going in a different direction.

I understand folks complaining about their hitches or floor leaks or filaform. But to dissect this appearance and be upset about it just isn't worth it.

Sorry to say, but Wheeler wouldn't have been on Leno's show to show off a new composite rot-proof floor or a 300-lb lighter trailer...

Thing is, Wheeler isn't going to get onto Jay Leno's video series, or get articles in the NYT and WSJ, just by wheeling out another practical 25FB. The Land Yacht is a hook, a story angle, a reason for press.

Isn't this a pretty expensive way of buying additional ink (press)?

If it were a concept trailer, I would agree, but Airstream has said it's going into production with this project.

You might know everything inside and out, and have a plan - but a lot of that goes away in front of the camera.

You're lucky to get 3-4 solid points across, and sometimes factual points get dumbed down or rounded off. I was surprised about not mentioning Interstate too, but in the spur of the moment, he kept the conversation going in a different direction.

And of course the video wasn't broadcast live. It was obviously edited, and there's no telling what got cut out for the sake of trimming it down to the allotted time. And probably filmed in a series of smaller takes over the course of a day or so, so there may well have been a lot of conversation that wasn't filmed at all, in between takes.

So what we saw probably has as much to do with what the producer and/or director wanted us to see as it did with what Messrs. Wheeler and Leno wanted us to see.

SilverGate, Wikipedia is full of bad information. It is not a scholarly publication. Bowlus and Byam being a very good example of how you have to be careful with what you find on the Internet. For instance, Byam was not a lawyer by training - period. That has been refuted by me and Dale Schwamborn repeatedly. And Dale should know better than any of us since he is a relative of Byam, worked for Byam, caravanned across Africa with Byam. But if you want to believe some unknown who posted his thoughts on Wikipedia, then there isn't much anyone can do about that.

Another reason for Airstream to build this high-end product is the hope that it will produce what marketing guys call the "halo effect", which improves the brand image and adds perceived value to the entire product line. With some luck, this will add value to all of ours, too.

SilverGate, Wikipedia is full of bad information. It is not a scholarly publication. Bowlus and Byam being a very good example of how you have to be careful with what you find on the Internet. For instance, Byam was not a lawyer by training - period. That has been refuted by me and Dale Schwamborn repeatedly. And Dale should know better than any of us since he is a relative of Byam, worked for Byam, caravanned across Africa with Byam. But if you want to believe some unknown who posted his thoughts on Wikipedia, then there isn't much anyone can do about that.

Well, as long as you can document a source for your refutation, why not get on Wikipedia, and edit the entry so that Wikipedia is right for once?

Well, as long as you can document a source for your refutation, why not get on Wikipedia, and edit the entry so that Wikipedia is right for once?

Life is too short to spend it rewriting Wikipedia. I'll save my efforts for something that pays, such as Airstream Life magazine If you want an authoritative book about Bowlus, then read Bowlus Trailers - The Origin of the Species by John Long. He also has a website - Bowlus Road Chief | Inspired by timeless American style.

Wanderlust by Banham is one of the better books for Airstream history. Admittedly, both books are hard to get and somewhat expensive, but worthwhile regardless.

The argument of which comes first; form or function has to be brought into play.

...And, while I think the counter which hides the sink and cooktop to be absolutely striking, it appears that function of the trailer is compromised, not to mention the question of where to place those items that might find their place on that counter that hides the stuff under it. Surely some folks would put things on top of that sleek counter, wouldn't they?
.

I was thinking exactly the same thing. "Striking" but a pain in the neck to maintain the pristine minimalistic lines by hiding the teapot and toaster every day. And I'm sure you'd want a single pristine orchid plant on the covered counter top. How many of us REGULARLY USE our sink covers and stove covers? Do I need a serving buffet area?

This might actually make a nice "portable business office" but it's clearly a statement, not a trayla!

The Land Yacht, reeking of quiet good taste
rather than a brasher, more conspicuous "Great Gatsby" aura.

Just makes me like the Eddie Bauer more.

Are they bringing this out to help us forget the "Sterling"?

Paula

__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.

Okay... I do REALLY like the power lift table. I'm always wanting to adjust my table height for the sewing machine or the computer or some other putzy little project I'm working on. Bet that's marine grade and costs about $2000. Well off to the internet to peek.

If I got the table adjustable I'd probably forget about getting recliners.

So many options, so little time... and too tight to spend the big bucks!
Paula

__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.

Life is too short to spend it rewriting Wikipedia. I'll save my efforts for something that pays, such as Airstream Life magazine If you want an authoritative book about Bowlus, then read Bowlus Trailers - The Origin of the Species by John Long. He also has a website - Bowlus Road Chief | Inspired by timeless American style.

Wanderlust by Banham is one of the better books for Airstream history. Admittedly, both books are hard to get and somewhat expensive, but worthwhile regardless.

Hi Forrest... I think I understand your main objection to Bob Wheeler's quote, "... the earliest designer of the Airstream trailer was the guy, Hawley Bowlus...", is that Bob used the trade name "Airstream".

I think we would both agree that the earliest designer of the iconic aerodynamic travel trailer using aircraft technology and riveted aluminum was in fact Hawley Bowlus.

Thank you for your referencing the book, Bowlus Trailers: The Origin of the Species, by John Long. John Long also wrote a two-part article, "Bowlus - The Origin of the Aluminum Travel Trailer Species", beginning in the Summer 2010 issue of Airstream Life magazine. In this article he wrote, "... Airstream was not the first to use aircraft technology for travel trailers. That started in 1934 with the Bowlus Road Chief, designed and built by aeronautical designer Hawley Bowlus. Two years later Wally Byam, founder of Airstream, adopted a similar design for his 1936 Airstream Clipper, which evolved to become the distinctive riveted aluminum shape recognized in America and around the world."